Physical Therapy Assistant

CIP 51.0806 Associate Certificate

Program Availability

Schools Offering

222

246 total including inactive

States

45

Available nationwide

Graduates (2025)

3,200

Total completions

Physical Therapy Assistant is offered as a associate and certificate program at schools nationwide, making it a solid trade program. The most popular states are California, Illinois and Texas.

Career & Cost Overview

Median Salary

$65,510

Physical Therapist Assistants

Job Growth

+22%

10-year projected growth

Median Tuition

$4,485

In-state annual rate

Graduates typically pursue careers as Physical Therapist Assistants. In-state tuition ranges from $475 to $15,840, and the work is primarily indoor with heavy physical demands — suited for hands-on learners who enjoy practical work.

Graduate Demographics

Gender Distribution

Male: 1,191 (37.2%)
Female: 2,009 (62.8%)

Degree Level Distribution

Associate: 2,926 (91.4%)
Certificate: 274 (8.6%)

Is This Career Right for You?

Is This Career Right for You?

Interest Profile (Holland Codes)

S
Social
R
Realistic
C
Conventional

helping and working with people; hands-on, practical work with tools and equipment; organizing, systematizing, and working with data

What does this mean? ▼

This career is best suited for people who enjoy:

  • Helping others
  • Teaching
  • Building things
  • Working with hands
  • Organization
  • Data management

Ideal Candidate Profile

👤 Personality Traits

✓ Empathetic
✓ Patient
✓ Practical
✓ Hands-on
✓ Organized
✓ Detail-oriented

💡 Interests

● Helping others
● Teaching
● Building things
● Working with hands
● Organization
● Data management

⭐ Work Values

♦ Active Listening
♦ Speaking
♦ Helping others
♦ Independence
♦ Accuracy

❓ Ask Yourself These Questions

1

Do you enjoy helping and working with people; hands-on, practical work with tools and equipment; organizing, systematizing, and working with data?

2

Do you value active listening?

3

Are you willing to develop the technical skills required for this field?

✓ This Career May Be Great For You If:

  • • Hands-on learners who enjoy practical work
  • • People-oriented individuals who enjoy helping others
  • • Detail-oriented individuals who value organization

⚠ Consider These Challenges:

  • • Those who prefer desk-based, theoretical work
  • • Those who prefer working independently
  • • Those who dislike repetitive tasks
💭

Note: This assessment is based on typical requirements and characteristics for careers in this field. Individual experiences may vary. Consider your own interests, values, and goals when making career decisions.

Where Can You Study Physical Therapy Assistant?

Click on any state to view schools offering this program.

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